Washington’s cut of the Disability Lifeline means tougher times for some.

This was a tough session for the legislature, and despite Plymouth’s best efforts, the push to save the Disability Lifeline in its present form did not succeed.

This program, Washington state’s temporary medical and financial assistance program for disabled people, has been eliminated in the new state budget that goes into effect Nov. 1.

Many homeless and formerly homeless people, including approximately 10% of Plymouth residents, have used the $200 a month cash stipend to pay rent and buy personal items ranging from toiletries to cleaning products. While this direct assistance program has been scrapped, the legislature replaced part of it with some medical care assistance and “Essential Needs Banks” to be administered through the counties. Through these banks, participants can obtain free toiletries, cleaning products, and household supplies such as light bulbs. Plymouth staff members will assist residents who relied on Disability Lifeline stipends to transition to the new system.

Also during the session, we were gratified to see that the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, one of the key sources of funding for new low-income housing, survived budget cuts and is funded at $50 million for 2011-2013. This fund helps local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofits like Plymouth build and renovate low-income housing, and is a key factor in realizing King County’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. The $50 million appropriation includes $3 million earmarked to provide housing for homeless veterans.